Planning and Performance Officer proves diabetes is no barrier to a full life
Congratulations to Planning and Performance Officer, Michael Byers, who was recently awarded the Alan Nabarro medal to celebrate 50 years of living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
Named after Alan Nabarro, a lifelong diabetes campaigner and one of the first people in the UK whose life was saved by insulin, the medal is awarded by the British Diabetic Association to people who have been living with diabetes for 50 years.
Diagnosed in 1974, at just nine years old, advances in technology and medicine have meant Michael has witnessed dramatic changes to diabetes treatment over the years, from glass syringes and steel needles to the convenience of a small ‘pod’ and sensor on his upper arm.
Michael spoke to us about his journey with diabetes so far and why he feels the Alan Nabarro medal is an important tradition to uphold:
“I go to a diabetes clinic twice a year for a check-up. At my last appointment I was told that I was eligible for the Alan Nabarro medal as I’d been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 50 years.
“My Diabetic Nurse then asked me to complete a form, which was sent off, and I received my medal in the post not long afterwards.
“I was diagnosed when I was nine years old, in 1974, and back then diabetes management and treatment options were much more primitive.
“At first, I had to inject myself with insulin using glass syringes with steel needles, which you first had to boil to sterilise. Plastic syringes became available in the mid 80s, which were much easier to use, followed by insulin pens and blood glucose monitors in the 90s.
“I now have a small pod and a sensor attached to my upper arm, which function together, almost as an artificial pancreas. The sensor monitors my glucose level and communicates with the pod, which contains the insulin, and tells it how much to release into my bloodstream.”
Michael explained that, thanks to his insulin pod and blood glucose monitoring sensor, there is no need for him to constantly consider his condition, unless his blood sugar levels fall outwith their set range, and he can continue through his day just like anyone unaffected by diabetes would.
“One of the key times when I really need to think about my diabetes management is when I am going to eat a meal or a snack containing carbohydrates as I then need to input the number of grams of carbohydrates I’m about to consume into my PDM (Personal Diabetes Manager). This shares the information with my insulin pod to allow it to deliver the correct dose of insulin into my bloodstream. The amount of insulin is pre-set according to each gram of carbohydrates I eat.”
Now, having successfully managed his diabetes for most of his life, Michael says it’s important for young people with the condition to see others thriving in their older years:
“Before the discovery of insulin in 1922, a diabetes diagnosis was a death sentence and people would be lucky to live for six months.
“Now, people with diabetes can expect to live long, full lives, have the same opportunities and take part in the same activities as anyone else.
“I’m proud that I can be an example for young people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and be living proof that a full and active life with diabetes is possible.”
